I think everyone can agree the F-22 is one of the greatest leaps in aircraft design texhnology.  Combining stealth and agility and situational awareness all into one package.  However, that's all very well and good, but did we need it? 
  
The F-22 was concieved through the ATF program, which was at the response of a hypothetical Russian super-fighter.  (From what I've heard)  Of course, this never came to be.  Plus, soon after, the Soviet Union collapsed, and the threat of a new super-fighter gone with it.  So the F-22 was still evaluated and built anyway.  But its purpose was gone. 
  
Although Russia is now working on the PAK-FA, they're not so much a volatile country as they used to be.  (They're actually quite poor relative to USA.)  They're probably just working on a fighter to defend their own country with.  Today, North Korea is the big worry, especially after a few days ago, after they threatened the US with force after B-52's were discovered near Korean airspace. 
  
Although N. Korea's nuclear capabilities are unquestionable, their air force is something else.  It consists mainly of MIG-21's and -23's, and a few -29's.  Even our F-15's and F-16's could take them. 
  
All I'm saying is, is that does the US need that firepower?  Its a little bit overkill in my opinion.  It's also cost the tax payer millions of dollars, for an aircraft that in the eight years its been in service, the closest its ever been to combat is escorting a TU-95 away from American Airspace.  (F-4' were soing that in the 70's, I mean come on.)  Not to mention, the US has had plenty of oppertunities to showcase its combat capability in many recent conflicts, such as the 2011 Libyan campaign, which brings into question why they're so shy about bringing out their big toys to play. 
  
Its probably had more use in its use in airshows and license for use in Video Games than in actual combat.  In today's world, maybe it would have been more economical to produce the F-22 in smaller numbers, (If they're so good anyway, why do we need 187 of them?), and followed up with the F-35 as top priority.  (If they hadn't of cocked it up so much.) 
  
Please post your opinions. :)